Economics and Finance MSc

Why choose this course

The finance industry is a big part of the economy – and not just in the UK where it employs more than one million people. Economists typically solve problems that are intricately related to resource allocation, and this means that they are well placed to understand in depth – and help shape – financial markets.

Our MSc in Economics and Finance will engage you with a transformative curriculum that promotes advanced knowledge in both subjects and offers many opportunities to develop competencies that are relevant to the modern world.

The programme is designed to prepare you for a range of careers in finance or economics in which advanced analytical capabilities and independent thought can contribute to self-fulfilment. Also, graduates of the programme are well placed to pursue further study in economics and/or finance.

What you will study

As a student on this programme, you will gain exposure to advanced economic concepts while mastering the complexities of the financial system. In the first semester you will develop a systematic understanding of the core principles in high-level microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and finance.

The second semester offers great optionality that will allow you to shape your programme according to your strengths, preferences and/or career aspirations. Several aspects of finance are covered (including international finance, derivatives markets, corporate finance, theory and applications in finance, and risk management) together with opportunities to enhance your econometric modelling skills (Econometrics 2 and Financial Econometrics) or explore aspects of economics at more depth (Microeconomics 2, Economics of the Firm).

The MSc Economics and Finance programme features a series of lectures/workshops in research methods that will allow you to build the skills you need to carry out independent research in economics/finance and complete your dissertation in the summer.

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer

• careers information, advice and guidance
• to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to
• Surrey Pathfinder
• , our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.

A minimum of a 2:1 UK honours degree in either Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Physics or Statistics, or a recognised equivalent international qualification. Alternatively we will consider a UK 2:1 or overseas equivalent in another subject if you achieve above 60 per cent (UK grading or overseas equivalent) in Macroeconomics and Microeconomics modules and one other module from Algebra, Calculus, Mathematics, Probability, Quantitative Methods or Statistics. Applicants with a 2:1 degree or overseas equivalent in other subjects who have substantial work experience in the field of their desired specialisation will also be considered.